Everything You Need to Know About the SOLIDWORKS Beta Program

Every year, designers and engineers alike eagerly anticipate what fancy new tools the newest edition of SOLIDWORKS is going to offer. Usually to find out about that you have to wait until it gets closer to release in October, but what if you could get an early sneak peek and mess around under the hood of the newest edition a little earlier?

Guess what? You can! Every year SOLIDWORKS allows customers with subscription service to download and participate in the beta program, free of charge. For those interested in participating in the beta program, here is everything you need to know about getting involved.

Oh, and the 2019 Beta program is now live! So go ahead and click the link to start using it today!

SOLIDWORKS Beta Program FAQ

Is there an online version of Beta that does not require me to do a client installation?

Yes. You can launch SOLIDWORKS Online Beta 3 by logging into the Beta website and clicking on the 'Try Online' button.

Is Beta testing confidential?

Yes. You are under aNon-Disclosure Agreement(NDA)during the Beta period. Youcannot share any information about the Beta release.

How do I participate?

No sign up is required. Access to the Beta software is automatically available to SOLIDWORKS subscription service customers. If you are currently on subscription and your SOLIDWORKS serial number is registered in your SOLIDWORKS Customer Portal account, then the Beta software will be available to download during the beta period (late June to mid-September). See download instructions below.

Bugs will be assigned an SPR number and you will be notified by email when the bug is resolved.

Is there an easy way to test SOLIDWORKS® PDM?

Yes. We provide a hosted database and archive servers for you to use. This allows you to create your own vault so that you can test the Beta version without affecting your production environment. Please emailepdmbeta@3ds.comfor more information.

If I install Beta, does it affect my production or commercial licenses?

No. Although you use your commercial serial numbers to download and install Beta versions, Beta license activation is completely separate from commercial license activation, regardless of whether you have standalone licenses or SolidNetWork licenses (SNL). You have as many Beta licenses as you have commercial licenses.

For example, you have a commercial SNL server that serves 5 licenses of SOLIDWORKS® Standard and 5 licenses of SOLIDWORKS Premium. During the Beta period, you can mimic your commercial SNL server and install and setup a separate Beta SNL server that serves 5 licenses of SOLIDWORKS Standard and 5 licenses of SOLIDWORKS Premium.

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Written byThe Alignex TeamThe Alignex Team of application engineers combined their depth of experience and industry knowledge to bring you the contents of this article.